Urraca is the Spanish word for magpie. Black-billed magpie are commonly seen here, as are Northern Flicker, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Mountain Chickadee, Red -breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Spotted Towhee. Among continental Species of Conservation Concern, Calliope Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Pinyon Jay, and Virginia's Warbler have been reported in multiple lists.  

The Urraca Wildlife Area sits on the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It rises up from dry sagebrush flats to aspen and pine groves found at more than 11,000 feet in elevation. The wildlife area is open from April 1 to May 14 and from July 1 to December 14 to birders carrying a valid New Mexico hunting license, fishing license, or Habitat Management and Access Validation permit.  The 13,304-acre property was purchased by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department in 1966 to provide winter habitat for deer and elk. You may encounter deer, elk, or small game hunters, so be aware of hunt seasons if you intend to bird this hotspot. Deer season typically begins September 1 in New Mexico and can last through January 15.